Surgeons flourish in eye banking leadership program
Eversight Illinois welcomes new corneal surgeon to Carle Foundation Hospital
PARTNERS IN VISION
Surgeons flourish in eye banking leadership program
Dr . Farooq
Dr . Tannan
Eversight Illinois connects with cornea surgeons early in their careers and provides opportunities for them to learn about eye banking practices , because fostering relationships with talented , caring physicians is critical to our mission .
The Eye Bank Association of America ’ s 2017 Physician Leadership program is one such opportunity . Eversight Illinois nominated corneal surgeons Dr . Asim Farooq and Dr . Anjali Tannan to take part in this year ’ s program designed to promote their professional growth and leadership in the eye banking community .
“ It was an eye-opening experience and I learned a great deal ,”
Dr . Tannan said . “ It was a great forum for less experienced physicians like myself to gain true insight and guidance from those who have been working tirelessly to advance the goals of eye banking , corneal transplantation and , above all , patient care .”
Participants completed several sessions throughout the program , including one entitled “ Follow the Cornea ,” which explores eye banking from donation to the moment tissue is delivered for surgery .
To assist Dr . Tannan and Dr . Farooq in fulfilling their requirements for “ Follow the Cornea ,” Eversight Illinois hosted each for a first-hand introduction to our operations . Chemika Howard , Operations Supervisor of Clinical Recovery , explained how Eversight Illinois reaches out to donor families and recovers their loved ones ’ tissues . And Dalene Youngblood , Lab Supervisor , demonstrated how corneas are packaged and shipped to surgeons across the United States and the world .
“ Surgeons are one of our most important constituents ,” said Mary Peete , Eversight Illinois Professional Relations Liaison , “ and this kind of program draws back the curtain for young surgeons on the intricate details that make transplantation possible . Because of that added knowledge , Dr . Tannan and Dr . Farooq are both better equipped to treat their patients and restore people ’ s sight .”
Chemika Howard ( right ), Eversight Illinois Operations Supervisor of Clinical Recovery , shows Dr . Asim Farooq a variety of technician recovery tools .
Eversight Illinois welcomes new corneal surgeon to Carle Foundation Hospital
Dr . Zafar
Illinois is fortunate to have many highly skilled and passionate surgeons dedicated to serving the state ’ s residents battling corneal blindness . In August 2016 , Dr . Abu-Bakar Zafar joined Carle Foundation Hospital , allowing patients in Urbana who previously had to drive hours for a cornea transplant to now receive medical care close to home .
In September , Linda Hascall of Savoy was the first patient to receive a cornea transplant at Carle . Linda was diagnosed with Fuchs ’ dystrophy , which made things like gardening , working , volunteering as a graphic designer and especially driving long distances a big challenge .
Fortunately for Linda , and others like her , she didn ’ t have to go far for exceptional care . Dr . Zafar completed his fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Pepose Vision Institute and Barnes-Jewish Hospital and has a background of diverse experiences that keep him on the cutting edge of his field .
Dr . Zafar has already become an asset to Carle , and Eversight Illinois looks forward to continuing to work with him . As for Linda , she ’ s thrilled with her renewed vision and can ’ t wait to get back to doing the things she loves .